Man of My Dreams

by Olivia Worley

A romance author is shocked when one of her characters-in-progress seemingly comes to life… but is he too good to be true, in this dramatic and twisty thriller perfect for fans of Ashley Winstead and Kate Alice Marshall, where the truth really is stranger than fiction.

Bestselling romance author Ivy Harcourt has been as unlucky in love as she’s been successful in writing—as her sad relationship track attests, there are no good dating options left in New York . . . Until she rescues an escaped dog in the park, and runs into Liam. Charming, British, hot architect Liam. The exact description of the love interest in her next book.

When an instant connection leads to a whirlwind relationship, Ivy is convinced she’s found the dream man. Except he may be too perfect. He may be hiding something.

And Ivy may have secrets of her own.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Romance, Fiction, Suspense, Audiobook

320 pages, Hardcover

First published June 2, 2026

About the author

Olivia Worley is an author born and raised in New Orleans. A graduate of Northwestern University, she now lives in NYC, where she spends her time writing thrillers, over-analyzing episodes of The Bachelor, and hoping someone will romanticize her for reading on the subway.

Reviews

[Shelley's Book Nook · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Book Review Crew Blog


⭐⭐⭐
Man of My Dreams
Olivia Worley
Publication Date: June 2nd, 2026
St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books
320 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers

This is my first book by this author, and I sorta liked what she did here. The book is a twisty psychological thriller that mixes a romance with dark suspense. Our main character is Ivy; she’s a popular romance writer but has no romance in her own life. Then she meets Liam in the park, a British architect. Ivy realizes that Liam is the spitting image of the fictional character in the book she is currently writing. Of course, the two fall in love instantly and everything is going swell. Then, as the relationship goes along, Ivy starts to get suspicious and wonders if Liam isn’t so perfect after all. (There’s always a but!)

I really liked the idea of this one. Using a romance author as the protagonist was great, and I liked how the author poked fun at herself. She also takes aim at romances and how happily-ever-afters aren’t realistic, and she balances it well with the dread of a failed relationship. I liked how seamlessly she went from a lighthearted romance to a paranoid psychological thriller—it kept me questioning Liam right along with Ivy.

While the execution and the writing were well done, the psychological thriller aspect was very predictable. The twists were seen fairly early on, so the impact of the final reveal wasn’t that big to me. Throughout the book you’re taken on an "is he or isn’t he" ride, and it got kinda repetitive after a while. I also didn't fully understand why they had such a whirlwind romance in the first place.

Still, it was entertaining enough and fast-paced, which are both pluses in my books. I would recommend this as a weekend beach read or something for an airplane ride. It’s fun, but you don’t have to think too much. I would read this author again, so that’s saying something.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[TheConnieFox · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book blended two genres and had me literally wondering what would happen next! This novel is about a successful author named Ivy and a guy named Liam, a character Ivy is currently writing about. Liam seems almost too perfect for her. As the story goes on, we find out Liam may not be the perfect person he claims to be. The romance takes a twist and turns into a thriller. Continuing to read this, I had no idea who to trust and what was real and what wasn’t!

This book made me feel confused, shocked, and emotional. This definitely had mysterious and psychological elements. It is overall an unhinged novel, in the best way possible. I haven’t read anything quite like it, making this extremely unique. The characters felt real and were very multilayered. The pacing started slow but quickly built to a fast-paced read. It is full of twists I did not see coming, with unreliable characters and an unreliable narrator. I enjoyed the suspense and found the novel’s plot well written and executed! I give this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars rating!

If you enjoy reading a fantasy romantic novel that turns into a complete psychological thriller, you will love this! It is unpredictable and terrifying. Thank you to NetGalley, author Olivia Worley, and St. Martin's Press for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book is expected to be published on June 2nd, 2026!

[Krysta ꕤ · Rating 3 out of 5]

”The truth is, you couldn’t stop me if you tried. The pen is in my hand, now. It’s finally my turn to tell our story— and im only just beginning.”

i have mixed feelings on this, i feel like it was falsely advertised. i do like when there’s dual timelines and you slowly discover what’s going on through switching from past and present. i’d say the mc Ivy is an unreliable narrator, i was unsure that this “book character turned real” mmc Liam was who she’d painted him out to be.

around 40% of the book actually focuses on the storyline from the synopsis, while the rest of it turns straight psychological thriller. it was very fast paced in the later half, with enough twists to keep you turning the page.. they just weren’t necessarily the twists i wanted from this book. i think it led to a lot of conveniences and it almost felt convoluted in certain areas. i do think this is a fun, digestible thriller for the most part though.

➳ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and St. Martin’s Press for the arc, all opinions are my own.

[BookishKB · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨📖 Man of My Dreams 📖✨

Hot damn 😭 the ending!!

I genuinely had no idea where this book was going, but it wrapped up so well. The twists were twisting!!

I both loved and hated that ending in the best way.

One thing is very clear though… Olivia Worley is officially an auto buy author for me. She really knows how to deliver a thriller.

💫What to Expect
• Thriller
• Author FMC
• Dream man x real life
• Unreliable boyfriend
• Family secrets
_ _ _ _

⭐ Final Score: 5 Stars
📅 Pub Date: June 2, 2026
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

[sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Rating: 4⭐️
🫧 Vibes: deciphering the truth
🎶 Song: all the good girls go to hell - billie eilish
📚 Would I recommend? yes!
💬 tldr thoughts: not entirely where I thought the story was going but I still loved it!

In the package:
📦 family secrets
📦 twisty twists
📦 romantic thriller
📦 dual timeline

Plot: Ivy is currently writing her next novel and ends up in a meet-cute with Liam, who appears to be the exact description of the love interest in her book. They form an instant connection but Liam seems to perfect as strange things start occurring around Ivy.

Thoughts: my flabbers were gasted with this one!! I was fully convinced I had it figured out but I did not until I was about 90% through 🥲 I will say that the title and synopsis of the book don't really match what the book is really about which I find really strange. I'm not upset about it because I ended up loving it but some people might end up feeling tricked. About halfway-ish, the story takes a turn and the story barely revolves around her love interest, and the plot shifts almost entirely. I still had a great time reading this one and it is a page turner that kept me engaged throughout. Short chapters and dual timelines that will keep you guessing until the end 👀

Thank you Minotaur Books for the gifted physical ARC!

✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok and instagram⋆☾✩⁺₊✩

[Dozelina 666 · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3★)

I absolutely devoured the first part of this book… but I’m not entirely sure what happened after that.

The premise alone hooked me: a romance author meets the literal embodiment of her fictional book boyfriend in real life. Coincidence? Fate? Or something much darker? (YOU vibes!!!)

Ivy, a bestselling romance author, meets Liam; a very charming, British, hot architect ... who is basically the exact description of the love interest in the book she’s currently writing. From there, things spiral. We get twists, stalking vibes, murder situations, secrets on both sides… and in the beginning, I genuinely could not put it down.

But somewhere around the halfway mark (maybe closer to 60%) I started feeling like I was reading 2 different books (same characters around) at the same time (does this makes any sense?anyway...). It’s like the blurb set up one direction and then the story quietly pivoted into another plot entirely. It wasn’t bad, just… different from what I thought I had signed up for.

The pacing stayed steady though and I was still curious enough to keep reading. Some twists worked, some were predictable and overall it remained entertaining. But that strong, thriller vibe from the beginning slowly faded for me.

Now for the ending... while everything technically wraps up, I felt like I might've needed just a little more. One or two extra chapters to really wrap it up with a red bow.

Overall, it was interesting and definitely readable, just maybe not what I hoped it will be.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC.

https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...

[Susan Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ivy is a romance author who has a meet cute with Liam, and both the meet cute and the man are too good to be true. The first part of the book is a thriller with a hint of romance, and the second half was more psychological thriller/suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed both parts. The twists were incredibly twisty, and I was hooked the entire read. I think there are enough elements in this book to make the story memorable, and it had vibes of other favorites in the thriller genre...I'd like to tell you what those are, but it would be a spoiler! You'll have to read for yourself. 😁

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[♡❀Caroline. K❀♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Going into this, I wasn't expecting to come away feeling like I had read two completely different stories.

I really went back and forth on how to rate this book. Half of me was completely invested and couldn't stop reading. The other half was confused about where the story was actually headed.

At first, it seems like the story revolves around Ivy and Liam, a man who is essentially a carbon copy of the love interest in the book she's currently writing. But as Ivy's secrets slowly begin to unravel, that storyline ends up feeling much smaller and almost irrelevant compared to everything else that's happening. It genuinely felt like I had started reading a completely different book.

The book definitely kept me intrigued and constantly wanting answers, but the ending fell flat for me. After being so invested in finding out how everything would come together, the payoff just didn't hit the way I hoped it would.

Honestly, I still don't know exactly how I feel about it. There were things I enjoyed and moments that completely pulled me in, but by the end I was left more confused than satisfied.

I want to thank Netgalley, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, and Olivia Worley for the ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Papillon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this novel. All my thoughts and opinions are my own.

I feel tricked.

And not in a “oh, this is a thriller. You got me!” I feel tricked, like this is not the book I signed up for.

The synopsis of this story has literally nothing to do with what this book is about. If the intention of it was to act as a smoke screen, it fell very flat. So flat, in fact, I’m actually almost irritated.

By page 86, the whole Liam storyline was laid on so thick, that it was very obvious nothing was happening on that front. Which then raised the question in my head: What on earth are the other 240-something pages about?

About 30 pages later, it hit me then that this was a mystery within a mystery. Or, more accurately, this was a “mystery” and a mystery.

Let me just say right now, and this is an entirely personal preference, I cannot stand that. I don’t mind multilayered mysteries. I don’t mind one door leading the reader down another rabbit hole. My issue is this: Smoke screens, especially when they are not well-done, can only be interpreted as a waste of time. As I’m sitting here now, all I’m thinking about is that Liam didn’t even need to exist. At all. Once I realized what the story was actually about and where it was going, I was irritated that I spent hours of my time reading a story that ultimately didn’t matter at all.

These are two different books smashed into one. None of which were concluded. If it’s meant to open the door for a sequel, I promise it can stay in the drafts.

The plot that we were fed, that made me want to read the book in the first place, was entirely abandoned for another plot so predictable and simultaneously ridiculous that the only real thing that shocked me was the fact that I finished the book at all.

[megan ◡̈]

i was super excited for this book but it was unfortunately a massive let down for me. the most glaring issue here is the fact this book is completely different from the blurb given. liam feels like an afterthought and when he is there its like a total fever dream because ivy is nothing but erratic. this book felt like complete chaos in the worst way while simultaneously dragging and boring.

i truly dont know what this book was trying to accomplish but whatever it was was just not for me and i could not care less about how it ends

[Christina C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man of My Dreams is such a fun and addictive read that completely pulls you in from the start. The story follows Ivy, a bestselling author whose life takes a surreal turn when she meets Liam — a character she created — in real life. Watching their relationship unfold is both exciting and emotional, especially as Ivy begins to fall deeply for him.

The plot moves at a fast pace, making it hard to put the book down. Just when you think you know where things are going, the story shifts, keeping you hooked until the very end. The added mystery of Ivy’s stalker brings an extra layer of tension, and trying to figure out who it is keeps you guessing throughout.

One of the best parts of this book is how unpredictable it is — the ending is not something you’ll see coming. Overall, I really enjoyed this unique and engaging story. It’s a perfect mix of romance, mystery, and a touch of the unexpected.

Definitely a great read for anyone looking for something different and fast-paced!

[Flor]

dnf • 42%
This sounded like it could be anything from thriller to magical realism, but it was just bad. I genuinely tried, but the second I started skimming, I knew I was done.
The story is completely unengaging, the MC painfully unlikable, and the writing utterly uninspired.

[Ink_Drinker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man of My Dream is a twisty, addictive ride that blends romance, suspense, and just the right amount of “wait… what?” energy.

Ivy Harcourt, a bestselling author with a messy past meets Liam, a man who feels like he’s stepped straight out of her manuscript. He’s charming, attentive, and maybe a little too perfect.

I loved how the story kept me guessing. Ivy’s unreliable memories make every chapter feel unstable, and the second‑half twists come hard and fast. I thought I had the plot figured out, but the ending still surprised me.

A quick, addictive read.

🎙Narrator Spotlight🎙
It was fun to read along while Gail Shalan's voice brought a gorgeous emotional clarity to this audiobook which makes every chapter feel a little more intimate. Her performance added layers to Ivy’s character, especially the uncertainty, the self‑doubt, and those moments where you’re not sure what’s real. Shalan leaned into Ivy’s vulnerability without ever making her feel weak, and that balance keeps the tension humming.

Shalan gives Liam just the right amount of charm and mystery, making his “too perfect” energy feel both irresistible and unsettling. The shifts in tone, the subtle pauses, the way she lets silence do some of the storytelling, those choices elevate the twists and make the reveals hit harder. It’s one of those narrations that adds depth to the story.

[Liza (LitLifewithLiza) Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect Valentine's Day thriller! Olivia previously wrote an absolutely unhinged FMC in So Happy Together and she's back with another banger of a thriller that also revolves around love and an unreliable leading lady with questionable choices. 

We follow romance author, Ivy, who meets the "man of her dreams" by chance. The more she learns about him, she realizes she's already met him, as the main character of the book she's currently writing. 😳 The coincidences pile up and secrets from her past come bubbling to the surface. Who is this man and what secrets from her past is she hiding from?! 

What I loved about the story: fast paced and stacked with twists you won't see coming. I was immediately hooked and loved the past vs present timelines as you try to decipher the twisted past she's running from. Pub day: 6/2/26

[Delaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twists and turns galore, this was a guessing game until the end. I loved the timelines and switch ups for this story. I really didn’t know where it was going, or which characters to trust, and that’s the best part of a thriller. I would’ve liked a bit more info at the end, but regardless it was a fun read.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man of My Dreams starts off as a romance with a shocking, and eerie, meet cute. The story then turns into a perfect summer thriller. It had some good twists, great character backstories and was captivating start to finish.

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new to me author, Olivia Worley with her newest book, Man of My Dreams. Romance author, Ivy meets someone who she is convinced is a character from her recent book she just published. It was such a neat concept and things kept happening throughout the book that I was questioning each and every character. Lies, secrets, deception … this book has it all and then some!!! I had a hard time putting this one down and looking toward to more books by Olivia. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.

[michelle ࣪ ִֶָ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second Olivia Worley read, and I'm a big fan of the way she writes, and of the characters she creates. The hook for this book really grabbed my attention and I knew I'd be enthralled, and I was, however...

Without spoiling too much - the premise of this book really ended up not being all that relevant in the end. Which was kind of disappointing, when that all wrapped up in a very lackluster way. The romance and the mystery surrounding Liam stopped really mattering at about the 60 percent mark? Give or take a little. I think some readers could be disappointed when they don't quite get what they signed up for.

That being said, the story that we did get instead was still great in my opinion. I read the last quarter of this in one sitting because I needed to know everything immediately. A couple of predictable twists, but it didn't take the route that I personally thought it would and I'm very happy about that.

I did genuinely enjoy every page of this, I just think it's being advertised as something it isn't when it doesn't need to be, because I'd have read it either way.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press / Minotaur Books for the ARC!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first heard about this Romance meets Thriller genre bender I was intrigued. Not that those two things could never mix but just that it wasn’t common. The concept had me sold. Woman meets man who seems to be a character from her book? How could I not read more?

I’m pleased to report I was pretty well hooked from the beginning. I think the beginning half is where you’ll find the most romantic parts (while still presenting/setting up the mystery/thriller parts) and the back part is where the twists and turns really take off. The last 1/4 of this novel I read almost straight through. I was glued to the page.

I enjoyed following the main character Ivy and found her to be sympathetic. I liked the romance between her and Liam, thought it was equally sweet and steamy. The pacing was perfect, with chapters being not too short but not too long and the backstory unfolding at well-timed intervals.

I think there’s a lot for even regular thriller readers to have fun with here. At some points my mind just ran wild with what I thought might be going on, and then the pieces slowly started falling into place I could predict fairly well where they were going to land. So take that how you will.

I think the only thing I’d change is that the ending felt a little abrupt! I was holding the book going wait, what?! Not sure if I understood correctly. So I wish a little more had been given to the epilogue to really cement it.

Otherwise a well done thriller. If Worley writes another I’d definitely check it out, I’ve already added some of her backlist titles to my TBR.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, @macmillan.audio for the gifted audiobook! I absolutely love a well-done unhinged thriller, and WOW does this one deliver.

Ivy Harcourt is a best-selling romance author who has personally been very unlucky in love. Then one day she encounters Liam and his adorable dog in the park. Liam is too good to be true on many levels. A handsome, kind, successful lawyer? Amazing. A man who has the same name, occupation, and college diploma as the MMC in her upcoming book? Deeply suspicious. But Ivy cannot deny the intense pull she feels toward him, and they embark on a whirlwind romance. But even though she suspects Liam of harboring secrets, Ivy has many of her own.

This book is incredibly entertaining. I won’t spoil anything, but expect some truly wild twists. The structure is clever, weaving together past events that shaped her and keeping us in suspense about what’s really happening in the present. While I suspected part of the twist by the halfway point, the rest kept me guessing.

🎧 Audio Performance: (9h 22m) Gail Shalan does a good job with this solo narration. For as WILD as the story is, I felt like the performance wasn’t as unhinged as the story, but still really good.

Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
🎧 Audio performance: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
🔥 Spice: 🌶️

[Raven (_birdiesbookclub_) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Big thanks to Macmillan audio for the ALC copy!! This one is out today and worth a listen, especially if you love a very crazy, twisted story!

This was a super fun, easy listen that kept me entertained from start to finish. The story had a great mix of light romance, humor, and emotional moments, and I really enjoyed the chemistry between the main characters. While some parts felt a little predictable and I wished for a bit more depth in certain areas, it was still a solid read overall.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narration definitely added to the experience. The narrator brought a lot of personality to the characters and made it easy to stay engaged, especially during the banter and lighter scenes. There were a few moments where the pacing dragged for me, but the audio performance helped keep things moving.

Overall, this was an entertaining and twisty read that I'd recommend if you're looking for something light and mysterious. Not quite a new favorite, but worth the listen.

[Martina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Minotaur Books for the gifted ALC and ARC!

This one was such an entertaining thriller. I was constantly trying to figure out what the heck was actually going on and every time I thought I had it figured out, something else would happen that made me question it again.

The whole idea of a romance author basically meeting the real life version of her fictional man was already interesting, but then adding the stalker storyline and all the secrets on top of it made it so much messier in the best way.

I did figure out a couple of the twists before they happened, but there were still enough surprises throughout that I stayed hooked the whole time. The story definitely leans more over-the-top and dramatic at times, but that just made it more fun to read for me.

Overall, definitely a fun, fast paced, twisty thriller, especially if you like messy relationships, unreliable characters, and constantly second guessing yourself.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast-paced roller coaster with all the twists and turns. The pacing did not let up and the surprises kept coming. Wild, messy, outlandish and an absolute ball to read. This is the perfect read in a day type of book.

Best selling author Ivy has her very own meet-cute moment she literally falls into a man’s arms while trying to save his dog. This was not just any man but the real life version of the main character in the new book she’s writing. Strange stuff starts to happen to Ivy - weird packages and messages on instagram. Can she trust her new perfect boyfriend? Can she trust herself? You won’t want to stop turning the pages to find out what really is going on here.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

[Liv · Rating 5 out of 5]

so addictive and fast-paced, i was invested from the very first page. the plot immediately pulled me in and it reminded me a lot of season one of YOU. an author meets the perfect book boyfriend, only he’s basically written straight out of her unpublished manuscript. same name, same glasses, same british accent, same job… a few coincidences too many 👀

i loved the nyc meet-cute energy layered with something much darker beneath the surface, where nothing is as it seems… even though i did see some twists coming, the pacing was incredible and kept the tension high the entire time. i’m still processing that ending and not sure how i feel about it, i definitely wanted more !!

thank you to netgalley & minotaur books for the advanced copy 💌 pub date: june 2026

💼💋🌆❤️‍🔥📓🔪

“Maybe I just need to accept that the only happily-ever-after in my future is fictional.”

[Dori Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up. The good: you think you’re reading one story but it turns out you’re reading an entirely different one. I couldn’t have predicted where this was going and it was entertaining. An original story for sure.

But too much of this just didn’t work for me and I found myself skimming in the middle to find out what the deal is. The MC keeps hinting at secrets and a memory problem and not trusting her instincts but it takes so long to get anywhere. I got frustrated with how many times she hinted the same things without getting a single answer. She was also bumbling as an author which was a weird trait to give her. Some of the coincidences also felt contrived.

I think this author might not be for me but that shouldn’t stop you from giving her books a try!

Thank you St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Jessica Ashe · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️½ (2.5 Stars)

First, thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for providing me with an advance copy of Man of My Dreams by Olivia Worley in exchange for my honest review.

When I first picked up this book, I was completely sold on the premise. A romance author unexpectedly meets a man who seems to have stepped directly out of the pages of her unpublished manuscript? Sign me up. The first 40-45% of the novel had me fully invested. The mystery was intriguing, the atmosphere was unsettling in all the right ways, and I found myself eagerly turning pages to discover where the story was headed.

Unfortunately, somewhere around the midpoint, the book took a sharp turn that lost me.

What began as a compelling psychological thriller rooted in an eerie “too good to be true” premise gradually shifted into something much bigger and more elaborate. While I appreciate an ambitious twist and an author willing to take risks, the direction this story ultimately chose felt increasingly difficult to believe. As the revelations unfolded, I found myself spending more time questioning the plausibility of events than becoming immersed in them.

That’s not to say the book lacks strengths. Worley’s writing is engaging, and she certainly knows how to keep readers guessing. The pacing is brisk, the chapters fly by, and there are enough surprises to keep the story moving. I can absolutely see why some readers will enjoy the wild, unpredictable ride.

For me, however, the twists eventually overshadowed the foundation that had initially drawn me in. The story started with a premise that felt intriguing and psychologically grounded, but the further it progressed, the more disconnected I felt from the narrative. By the end, I was left wishing the novel had leaned more heavily into the suspense and mystery established in its opening chapters rather than the increasingly unbelievable direction it ultimately pursued.

Overall, Man of My Dreams is a fast-paced thriller with an undeniably captivating setup. While the first half had me completely hooked, the second half lost some of its impact due to twists that required more suspension of disbelief than I was willing to give. Readers who enjoy highly dramatic, over-the-top thrillers may have a better experience than I did, but this one ultimately didn’t fully work for me.

[Kris the retired librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Macmillan Audio for the gifted listen.

She wrote the perfect man into her next book. Then she met him in real life. Then things got weird.

Man of My Dreams might be the most fun I've had with a thriller so far this summer, and it's not even technically summer yet.

Ivy Harcourt is a bestselling romance author drowning in second-book imposter syndrome. Then she rescues a runaway dog in the park and runs straight into Liam: charming, British, hot architect Liam, who happens to be the exact love interest she's writing into her next book. Like he walked off the page and into her life. They fall fast, but he might be too perfect. He might be hiding something. And Ivy has secrets of her own.

This is a romantic popcorn thriller in the best sense. Fast-paced, twisty, and so entertaining I tore through it. Worley tells it in a dual timeline, with flashbacks to Ivy's childhood narrated by her sister Cora, who grew up with an autoimmune disease so severe she couldn't leave the house or be around anyone outside her immediate family. That thread gets darker and more interesting as Cora grows up and grows resentful, and it pays off in an ending that goes fully unhinged. Olivia Worley really knows how to write an unhinged woman, and I say that with full respect and admiration. I loved it. Did I see where it was headed once I finally clicked into the twist? Yeah, a little. Did it matter even slightly? Not at all.

Gail Shalan absolutely nails the narration. Every character has a distinct voice, and I never once got confused between Ivy and Cora, which matters a lot in a dual-timeline story. Nine and a half hours flew by.

If you like meet-cutes gone very wrong, boyfriends as unreliable as your narrators, family secrets, witty banter, and the kind of female lead who keeps you guessing, this one's for you. It’s great choice for Olivia Worley fans, romantic suspense readers, and anyone who wants a fast, twisty book to throw in the beach bag. This is a pool read, plain and simple.

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this one excited and came away with mixed feelings, but ultimately the journey won me over—and that’s what matters most.

My biggest issue was the writing itself. It didn’t feel quite like the author’s previous books that I’ve read and enjoyed. That said, I want to be fair: this was an eARC provided by Minotaur Books via NetGalley, not a finished copy. Because of that, I’m hesitant to judge too harshly. Had these issues appeared in a final publication, my rating and overall thoughts might have been different. I mention it only as a heads-up for other early readers, as it’s possible some of these concerns will be addressed before release.

Another point worth mentioning is that the marketing may set certain expectations. The description gives off the vibe of a light, fluffy romance, but readers familiar with this author’s work will likely know there’s more going on beneath the surface. This is far from a straightforward romance.

What I enjoyed most was the mystery-within-a-mystery structure and the way it constantly made me question the narrator’s reliability. I also loved that the protagonist is an author. I’m always drawn to books about writers, bookstores, and the publishing world, so the meta elements really worked for me.

In the end, I appreciated how all the pieces came together and how the story resolved. It’s also a remarkably quick read—I finished it in just a few hours. While it wasn’t a perfect fit for me, the intriguing premise, layered mystery, and satisfying conclusion made it a worthwhile reading experience.

[Abi Brennan · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are a lot of issues with this book. First of all, I feel like the marketing was really off. This was presented as one thing in blurbs and synopses, when it was something else entirely. It was almost as if the author had two ideas for two separate novels, and just decided to join them into one novel, which resulted in this book, which did not work for me at all.

The synopsis details this book as being about a romance author who meets a guy who is alarmingly similar to the love interest she's writing about in her upcoming romance book. He has the same name, job, country of origin, etc. That's the main focus when describing this book, her love interest seemingly comes to life and finds her. Which is CRAZY because the love interest character barely ends up having anything to do with the actual plot of the book, and becomes a completely inconsequential side character. Why make this minor part of the story the focus when describing the overall story, when it barely plays a part in the actual plot?

This story was predictable, cheesy, and relied too heavily on the reader believing coincidence after coincidence. The pacing felt off the entire time, being crazy fast paced at parts, and dragging on and on at others. The main character is also extremely unlikable and hard to root for.

The plot and story sounded so interesting, but this was a big disappointment.

[anovelaccount (Kayla) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

I read So Happy Together by Olivia Worley last year, and I liked this one more! It has a fun premise—the FMC meets a man who seems like an exact replica of the MMC in her unpublished manuscript—but I definitely enjoyed the first half of the story more than the second.

The story is very twisty, and I did see some twists coming, but there were certainly a few that surprised me. The book did not go the way I thought I would overall and kind of veers off toward the midway point. This wasn’t necessarily bad, just unexpected. I will say that you have to suspend disbelief quite a bit in this one. There were times I was rolling my eyes at the implausibility of the storyline, so just something to consider.

That said, this is a fast-paced, entertaining thriller that will have you second guessing everything the entire way through, not sure what—or who—to trust. I did want more from the ending, but I get the vagueness of it, even if it didn’t feel satisfying to me!

🎧The audio here is good and I think people will like it. Gail Shalan is very obviously talented and matches the FMC’s energy perfectly. My only issue was, and it is truly a ME thing, is that it feels overacted at times, but this happens when a voice actor reads a book in a way I wouldn’t in my head, so not anything against Gail. Audio is a good choice, as would be eyeball reading!